This weekend we had the wonderful good fortune of getting away to a warm place just a couple hours out of the city. I am not sure if my perspective was affected by the fact that this was our first vacation (even if only for three days) in well over a year... but to me, this was pure paradise. The air, the sun, the accommodation, the food, the infinity pool, the lush surroundings, the peace, the tranquility, the freedom... it was magic. I felt so completely at ease and vividly reminded of why taking a vacation is so important from time to time. And while it's nice (in theory) to set up our homes in a way that allow us to escape anytime we wish... the reality is that there is something quite luxurious about the ability to truly disconnect when we can get out of the every day routine and environment that we call our life. As a full time mom, being at home means that there is always something to do... at every single hour of the day.
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| This is what greeted us as we arrived... an infinity pool with a view of the rolling hills a top a sparkling lake (looked like the pool was spilling into the lake). |
Mesa de Yeguas is a Country Club in Anapoima. The brilliance of this place is that in order to become a member you have to buy a plot of land... on which you can develop your own 'getaway home' and simultaneously have access to all the amenities the club has to offer. To get to stay here, we had to gain special permission as invitees (thank you to our hosts!!!). And did I mention that there is a quiet lake set up with all sorts of water sports... from zip lines to wake boarding; a full beautiful golf course; an amazing playground for the kids (if they ever choose to leave the pool)!!
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| This was the view from our window on to our balcony and beyond... |
Anapoima is about 90 kilometres outside of Bogotá at an altitude of only 700 metres above sea level. That's quite a drop from the 2625 metres above sea level at which we usually reside here in Bogotá!! And the lower altitude blesses us with wonderful weather. In fact, Anapoima is called the "sun of the eternal youth" (
sol de la eterna juventud) as a result of its beautiful climate.
We were blessed with a wonderful drive as all three kids cooperated in the car... it was the first time for Leo on such a long drive (or any drive of substance for that matter, given that we have been without a car for the majority of his life). On the way there he stayed awake for almost the entire trip as I distracted him with food and songs and games. On the way home, he slept most of the way... I guess he too felt the post vacation sense of relaxation.
The moment we arrived, Isabel relaxed in one of the poolside lounge chairs, Leo was eager to get off all his clothes (his first time in such heat, after all), and Anaïs tested out all the beds singing "five little monkeys jumping on the bed."
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| five little monkeys... |
There is so much to say, but really, not much at all... other than that i am SO GRATEFUL that we were blessed with this getaway to a place that exceeded all of my expectations. We all can't wait to go back!!! And since photos can often say more than words... i will share some of the images we captured below.
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| Anaïs playing 'peek-a-boo' with the shutters |
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| Leo loved his first adventure in the pool. |
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| The girls were immersed from morning till night. |
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| Isabel is a little fish |
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| These two are adorable together!! |
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| snuggled with papa |
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| enjoying the view... |
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| a fun ride with big sister pulling the boat |
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| perfectly happy |
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| loving his little boat |
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| Anaïs |
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| Isabel |
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| Leo |
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| playing futball in the pool |
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| trying to climb over the edge of the pool... |
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| way up in papa's arms |
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| up, up... |
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| ... and away!!! |
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| having so much fun!!! |
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| joy, joy, joy... endless joy in the infinity pool!! |
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| we hope to see you again soon mesa de yeguas... |
There was a peace here that was so healing we could feel the stress evaporate from our bodies. I returned home with a renewed sense of balance and an increase in my reserve of patience. No doubt I came back able to be a better parent. As I reflect on how much good came from this pause, I am reminded of the fact that even a little break from our daily routine is so important to maintain a stronger sense of self and an ability to stay present, grounded and happy.
Anaïs wanted to make a little video collage of our photos... it's over two minutes (if you want to watch it). She chose the photos, the music and the theme... our little budding artist.
What an incredible place! Absolutely stunning! Your pictures show the absolute joy and peace you had there!
ReplyDeleteWow How beautiful is that!!!!!!!!!!! That reminds me of the getaways we had found in Thailand. That is what I miss is to be able to slip away for a little while, sit by the ocean, swim in the ocean and absorb her healing ways. Beautiful pictures!
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